The Northeast Hardscape Expo was a fantastic event for A&D Equipment this year! Held at Mohegan Sun, the show brought together an incredible group of industry professionals, and we were grateful to be right in the middle of it. One of the highlights for our team was the opportunity to connect face-to-face with so many of our valued customers. We also truly enjoyed reconnecting with long-time partners and friends, those conversations are what make events like this so meaningful.

Equally exciting was meeting new people throughout the show. From contractors to business owners, we had great conversations about projects, challenges, and opportunities to help improve efficiency and increase bottom lines. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booths, shared a story, asked questions, or simply said hello. Events like the Northeast Hardscape Expo remind us why we love what we do, building relationships, solving problems, and supporting the hardworking professionals in our industry. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Tim Brechlin serves as A&D Equipment’s Parts & Service Supervisor, bringing a strong work ethic and hands-on experience to the team. After deciding to transition out of the construction industry, Tim was encouraged by his father to explore an opportunity at A&D and quickly found it was the right fit. In his role, no two days are the same. Tim works on both new and refurbished buckets, assembles parts orders, performs installations, and travels to customer sites near and far. His work has taken him across New England and even as far as New Mexico, supporting customers with expert installation and service.

Tim thrives on being hands-on and enjoys working alongside a talented and knowledgeable team. One of his proudest accomplishments so far has been completing his first solo Steelwrist tiltrotator installation, a complex job that typically takes several days. After learning by observing and assisting others, stepping into that responsibility independently was a major milestone. He credits A&D’s strength to real-world experience, and in his own words “we are testing shit on our jobsites” which emphasizes our motto “we use what we sell”. That jobsite knowledge allows the team to truly understand customer needs and deliver practical, effective solutions. Coming from a carpentry/construction background, Tim faced a learning curve with hydraulics and electronics, but approached it with determination by asking questions, learning from others, and continually improving his skills. Tim believes the Steelwrist tiltrotator is a game changer for customers, helping them maximize the efficiency and capability of their machines. With a sense of humor (his daily goal: “don’t lose a hand”) and a focus on helping customers succeed, Tim brings both personality and purpose to his work every day.

When contractors consider adding a tiltrotator to their excavator, one of the first questions that comes up is simple: how durable is it? With attachments working in tough environments day in and day out, durability isn’t optional, it’s essential. Steelwrist tiltrotators are engineered from the ground up to handle the realities of demanding construction applications. Whether it’s excavation, utility work, or road construction, these attachments are built to perform consistently under pressure. At the core of their durability is high-strength cast steel construction. Key components including the upper coupler, gearbox, and lower quick coupler are manufactured using cast steel to deliver an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the tiltrotator to absorb the high breakout forces and torque generated by modern excavators, while still maintaining efficiency across a wide range of machine sizes. But durability isn’t just about strength, it’s also about protection.

Steelwrist tiltrotators are designed to thrive in harsh job site conditions. Critical joints are equipped with sealed bearings that keep dirt, debris, and moisture out, helping extend component life. Hydraulic valves and control modules are strategically positioned to reduce exposure to damage, while optimized tilt geometry and cylinder placement ensure smooth, high-torque movement with minimal stress on both the machine and the attachment. Another major advantage is Steelwrist’s OptiLube system, an onboard automatic lubrication feature that continuously greases key components. This not only reduces daily maintenance demands but also significantly increases longevity by ensuring proper lubrication at all times. For contractors focused on precision, versatility, and productivity, a Steelwrist tiltrotator isn’t just another attachment, it’s a long-term investment. With robust materials, protected systems, and smart maintenance technology, it’s a tool designed to stand up to the toughest jobs and keep performing. The bottom line: Steelwrist tiltrotators are built tough, built smart, and built to last.

For more than 40 years, Robert Hansen Landscaping has built a reputation for excellence, growing from a lawn maintenance business into a full-service landscape company serving commercial, corporate, and high-end residential clients. With 6-8 crews out in the field each day, their team delivers a wide range of services, including IPM programs, hardscaping, planting, and small excavation. A&D Equipment is proud to support Robert Hansen Landscaping as a valued and long-standing customer. Owner Bob Hansen has invested in equipment that helps his team work smarter and more efficiently, including the Rotastar 3-5 and a Steelwrist Tiltrotator outfitted with a digging bucket, grading bucket, multigrapple, and ripper. The impact of these solutions has been significant. Bob points to two major improvements in his operation: increased versatility in the field and a reduction in labor needed on the ground. Additionally, the ability to screen and reuse materials has led to major cost savings.

Over the course of a year, Bob estimates that his team processed approximately 400 yards of topsoil on-site, material they didn’t have to purchase or transport. With production rates of around 20 yards per hour depending on conditions, the Rotastar has more than proven its value, contributing directly to a stronger bottom line. Beyond equipment, the relationship between Robert Hansen Landscaping and A&D Equipment is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Bob values working with a dealer who is honest, reliable, and responsive and he has found that in A&D. He notes that Anthony takes the time to educate customers on how to get the most out of their equipment, while the team’s proactive check-ins reflect a level of service that is increasingly rare. In Bob’s words, A&D Equipment has been “the best dealer and best experience” he’s had, which is high praise from a company with decades of industry experience. We’re grateful for the partnership and look forward to continuing to support Robert Hansen Landscaping as they continue to grow.